The Missionary by Stephen N. Haskell

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 26, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 25.

The Missionary.

By Stephen N. Haskell

Pennsylvania Camp-Meeting.

WE arrived at Emporium, Pa., Thursday, June 12. The camp-ground was situated about one half mile from the village, on a level plat of ground containing about four acres, at the foot of a range of the Alleghany Mountains. About two acres were occupied by the tents, which were so close together there was no passing between them except at certain prepared places. The 60x100 feet pavilion for preaching, and the book-stand, like the ancient tabernacle, were surrounded by the people. The meetings had commenced the night before we arrived.

The attendance was not large, as the efforts to spread the truth in this part of the country commenced only about one year ago. There were, however, about 200 of our brethren present. Unity and love prevailed among our friends, and an anxious desire was manifested, as elsewhere, to see the cause of truth go forward.

The spiritual interest of the meeting was good. On Sabbath about fifty made a special start to serve God. Some of these were those who felt that they had lost the love of God from their hearts, while others started for the first time. Monday afternoon Bible-readings were held and instructions given in the Scriptures, which aroused an interest to study the Scriptures such as we have seldom witnessed. Many saw and felt that the common, superficial way of reading the Scriptures is not the way to draw from them what God designed we should. "Search the Scriptures" does not mean a careless reading of the same.

Resolutions were passed recommending that immediate steps be taken to enter Philadelphia, Pittsburg, Williamsport, and other cities. And notwithstanding this Conference is new and our brethren in quite straitened circumstances, it was the unanimous opinion of the friends of the cause that the sum of $10,000, which they had begun to raise, would be insufficient to accomplish the objects desired. It was, therefore, voted to immediately raise $15,000 instead of $10,000, and about $3,500 was added to the $6,000 already pledged.

Ten were baptized and fifty subscribers were taken for our periodicals. About sixty orders were taken for Vol. 4 "Great Controversy." We are thankful to see such an effort to extend the circulation of this valuable book. The discount given to canvassers enables them to accomplish what has never been accomplished before with any of Sister White's writings. There will not be less than 10,000 copies sold this present summer if the work is as successfully carried forward as it has been started. Elders U. Smith, E. W. Whitney, D. A. Robinson, and myself were the ministers from abroad. Bro. A. R. Henry was present from the Publishing Association at Battle Creek, Mich.

Much interest was taken in the tract and missionary work. The canvass for our periodicals has been carried forward with great vigor during the past year, the canvassers paying their own way by selling books not on present truth. A question raised was whether as much could be earned with our own publications if they were placed in as salable a condition. It was the unanimous sentiment of the canvassers that more could be sold if we had them prepared so they would present the same advantages. Another question was, What class of publications would take the best? The answer was, Such works as "United States in Prophecy" with plates, and "Sketches from the Life of Paul," illustrated. The two different books would enable them to reach all classes. Great interest was manifested to push the work forward.

The meetings closed Tuesday morning. A wonderfully good impression seems to have been left on the citizens of the place, which contains about 2000 inhabitants. One of our brethren had occasion to call on a family in the place, and found the woman in tears. She said, "I wish I knew more about the Bible, and if these things are so." She subscribed for the SIGNS, and procured other reading matter. A similar feeling of interest prevails quite generally in the town. The universal testimony was, Thank God for this good meeting.

S. N. HASKELL.